The opening of the first hot air balloon festival since a fatal crash in Carterton has been delayed due to bad weather.
The annual Balloons over Wairarapa festival was due to begin with a mass flight of 25 balloons from New Zealand and overseas as a tribute flight to the crash victims.
Eleven people died when a hot air balloon plunged to the ground in flames after hitting power lines in January.
Thursday's events are cancelled due to strong winds and will be held on Friday, weather permitting.
The festival is scheduled to run until Sunday.
